The Ultimate Tire Buying Guide for Trucks, SUVs & Jeeps
Let's be honest — buying tires probably wasn't the first mod you dreamed about when you started building your truck, SUV or Jeep. It was probably the lift kit that gave your rig some attitude. Or the coilovers, shocks, and control arms that turned it into a trail beast. Maybe it was the winch for peace of mind, or a beefy steel bumper that looked mean and added protection.
But tires? They're often treated like an afterthought — until you hit the trail and realize just how much they matter.
Whether you're hitting deep mud, rocky trails, snowy roads, or just cruising the pavement, your tires are what keep you moving forward. They're what actually put all that power to the ground, grip through tough terrain, and keep your rig under control. That's why knowing how to pick tires for your build is so important.
And when it's finally time to upgrade or replace your rubber, you want to make the right move — not just grab the most aggressive tread at the best price and hope it works out. The right tires have to match your build, your terrain, and how you actually drive.
So if you're searching for tips on buying tires or wondering how to choose tires that match your driving style, terrain, and vehicle setup — you're in the right place.
At 4 Wheel Parts, we've been helping off-roaders, overlanders, weekend warriors, and daily drivers find the perfect tires for their needs. Whether you're chasing trail grip, road comfort, or long-distance durability, we've got the expert advice, top-tier brands, and professional installation you need to get it right the first time.
So before you hit “buy” on just any tire, let's break down what you should know — from tire types and sizing to real-world usage and how to make the most of your tire investment at 4WP.
Why Buying the Right Tires Matters
Tires are your only connection to the ground — literally. Every turn, every trail, every brake check and throttle stomp relies on those four contact patches gripping the surface.
Whether you're hitting sand, snow, rocks, or pavement, the right tires will make or break your driving experience. Traction, ride quality, off-road performance, and even fuel economy all tie back to your tires.
At 4 Wheel Parts, we carry a full range of off-road and hybrid tire options for everything from mall crawlers to trail crushers, so you'll always find the right match.
The 4 Main Tire Types for SUV& Jeeps
When you start browsing tires, you'll typically land in one of these categories:
Highway Tires
Best for: Daily drivers and pavement-focused builds
These tires focus on smooth rides and long tread life. They're commonly found on stock pickups, SUV's and entry-level Jeeps straight from the factory.
- ✅ Quiet, comfortable ride
- ✅ Long tread life (55k-65k miles)
- ⛔️ Minimal off-road traction
- ⛔️ Thin sidewalls can tear on the trail
Shop Top All-Season Tires
All-Terrain Tires
Best for: Daily drivers who hit trails on weekends
All-terrains are the Swiss Army knife of tires — rugged enough for dirt roads, snow, and mild off-roading, but still street-friendly.
- ✅ Solid grip in most conditions
- ✅ Good road manners and mileage (40k-45k)
- ⛔️ Not ideal for deep mud or technical crawling
Shop Top All-Terrain (A/T) Tires
Mud-Terrain Tires
Best for: Hardcore off-roaders and weekend warriors
Built for serious trail use, M/T tires are bold and aggressive with large tread lugs and reinforced sidewalls.
- ✅ Maximum off-road traction
- ✅ Puncture-resistant
- ⛔️ Louder and rougher on pavement
- ⛔️ Shorter lifespan (30k-35k miles)
Shop Mud-Terrain (M/T) Tire Options
Hybrid-Terrain Tires
Best for: 50/50 pavement and trail builds
Hybrids give you the best of both worlds — better grip than A/Ts and better street manners than M/Ts.
- ✅ Excellent for Overlanding and mixed driving
- ✅ Strong sidewalls and versatile tread
- ⛔️ Slightly louder than A/Ts
- ⛔️ Wear faster than highway tires
Shop Available Rugged-Terrain (R/T)
How to Choose the Right Tire Size
One of the biggest mistakes people make? Slapping on the biggest tires they can find without checking if they fit — or function properly.
To choose the right tire size, consider:
- Vehicle model & trim
- Suspension setup (lift, leveling kit, etc.)
- Fender clearance & bumper type
- Gear ratios
- Wheel dimensions (width, offset, diameter)
👉 Pro tip: If you're unsure what fits, stop by your local 4 Wheel Parts store and talk to an expert. We'll help you pick the right size and even handle the mount and balance on-site.
What Tires Are Best For You?
Here's a cheat sheet to help narrow it down:
YOUR DRIVING STYLE RECOMMENDED TIRE TYPE Mostly highway Highway or All-Terrain Commute + trails All-Terrain or Hybrid Trail-heavy build Hybrid or Mud-Terrain Rock crawler or show rig Mud-Terrain all day
Why Choose 4 Wheel Parts for Tires?
Besides our deep inventory and top-tier brands, 4WP offers:
- 🚚 Free shipping on qualifying tires
- 🔧 In-store mounting & balancing
- 💬 Real experts who actually wheel
- 📦 Package deals with wheels, TPMS kits & more
- 💥 Frequent promos to help you save
Whether you're gearing up for your first overland trip or building a rig that'll turn heads at the next show, 4 Wheel Parts is your one-stop shop for tires and everything that wraps around them.
Find the Best Set of Tires at 4 Wheel Parts
Browse our full tire lineup online at 4WheelParts.com or stop by your local store to see your favorites in person. We'll get you squared away, mounted up, and back on (or off) the road in no time.